Source: The lyrics posted on this blog are often transcribed directly from performances. Although it is my intention to faithfully transcribe I do not get all the words and I have a knack for hearing the wrong thing. Please feel free to correct me or to fill in the words that I miss by dropping me a message via e-mail. I'd be forever grateful. Thanks in advance! ..............................................................................................................................

A Note From The Gull

In this joyful and rousing Peruvian villancico the story of the Nativity is told with a Peruvian twist. The shepherds in the fields are indigenous "Indiecitos pastores" and they bring gifts of "trigo" wheat and "quinua" quinine and "chicha" a fermented corn drink. The travellers who visit the child of God are carrying gifts of "un ponchito de color" a colourful little poncho, "un chuyito muy serrano" a cap typical of the Andean Highlands and "zapatitos de algodón" little cotton shoes [Remember the woven cotton "sapats" that Trinidadians used to wear?] To Mary they bring "un mantón abrigador" a warm shawl and to San Jose they bring "una quena" an Incan flute, "un charango" a charango [higher pitched string instrument like a tiny cuatro] and "un tambor" a drum.

They sing: Y todos le gritarán: Cholito! ¿De dónde llegaste tú?: Cholito! Y todos le creerán: Cholito! Que naciste en el Perú. Here "Cholito" is used to address the child, Jesus. It is a way of claiming Him as one of their own - "naciste en el Perú" who was born in Peru. Cholito is generally used as a term of endearment usually used to refer to a child but it has other connotations. It can describe a person with Indigenous heritage, whether "pure" or mestizo, an individual of mixed heritage - indigenous and european. I think that this is the meaning that is appropriate for this song. Jesus is born among the people of the land. Like the "n" word however, how the meaning of the word "cholito" is intended and taken depends on who is using it and the tone with which it is used. Some have described it as a pejorative, racist word used to put down morenos or indigenous persons or people from the Highlands, or native peoples who are being derided for adopting Western ways.

I provide these details solely to inform and with the conviction that nothing can detract from the unbridled affection and joy of the warm welcome that this song expresses at the birth of the Saviour.

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Lord, Please walk beside me through this day. Clear the heavy air with the lightness of Your Presence. Guide my hands and steady my heart that I may give comfort when I cannot give hope, that I may give relief when I do not have a cure, and that I may radiate Your healing peace when the limits of science, time, and the human body overwhelm us all.Amen